The Human Services Board of Wabasha County, Minnesota, convened in Regular Session at the County Services Building, in the City of Wabasha, Minnesota at 9:00 a.m., April 28, 2009 in accordance with MS 402.01 to 402.10. The previous meeting was recessed to this time and place. The following members were present: Commissioners Dwelle, Hall, Norman, Riester, and Windhorst. Absent: None

RIESTER – WINDHORST

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Wabasha County Board of Commissioners hereby approves the agenda, with no changes: Adopted Unanimously.

RIESTER – HALL

WHEREAS, the Minutes of the March 24, 2009 meeting have been presented for review and that no changes have been made to the Minutes;

BE IT RESOLVED, the Human Services Board accepts the Minutes as an accurate reflection of the content and actions taken at its previous meetings.

Adopted Unanimously

RIESTER – HALL

WHEREAS, the Director of Social Services has advised that all Income Maintenance case actions are in conformance with State, Federal, and County laws, rule, regulations and policies;

BE IT RESOLVED, that all Income Maintenance case openings, closings, suspensions, grant changes and any other action affecting client eligibility and payments documented in the Department on listing of proposed case actions, (through MAXIS computerized client files and reports, and MMIS II), Director's Actions, abstracts of payment, and reports of refunds and cancellations for the period 03/24/09 through 04/27/09 are hereby approved.

WHEREAS, the Directors of Public Health and Social Services have advised that all Public Health and Social Services case actions are in conformance with State, Federal and County laws rules, regulations and policies;

BE IT RESOLVED, that all Public Health and Social Services case openings, closings, payments, placements and licensing actions as documented in the Department on Agency listing for Licensing actions, case records, record of Social Service plan, purchase of service abstracts, reports of refunds and cancellations, payment authorizations and computer printouts for 03/24/09 through 04/27/09 are hereby approved.

WHEREAS, the Directors of Public Health and Social Services have advised that all personnel actions are in conformance with State and Federal law, Merit System rules, existing labor agreements and personnel policies;

BE IT RESOLVED, that all personnel actions for 03/24/09 through 04/27/09 for employees of the Departments of Public Health and Social Services as documented in the Department on proposed personnel actions listing, personnel abstracts, payroll reports and personnel actions forms are hereby approved.

WHEREAS, the Directors of Public Health and Social Services have advised that all Public Health claims and, Social Services and Welfare claims against the County submitted for payment for 03/24/09 through 04/27/09 have been reviewed and are eligible for payment pursuant to all applicable rules, regulations, laws and policies;

BE IT RESOLVED, that all bills as listed on listing of warrants and claims against the Public Health, Social Services and Welfare funds and warrant registers shall be approved as valid claims against the County and are hereby approved for payment.

WHEREAS, the Directors of Public Health and Social Services have advised that employee requests to attend conferences and/or training have met approval of Administration, and are within the budgetary guidelines of the Agency;

BE IT RESOLVED, that all requests presented by the Directors of Public Health and Social Services are hereby approved.

Adopted Unanimously.

RIESTER – HALL

Whereas, the Wabasha County Human Services Board has maintained a contractual relationship with the Wabasha County Developmental Achievement Center (DAC) for many years; and

Whereas, the DAC continues to provide quality service to our developmentally disabled citizens of Wabasha County, and the County wishes to continue the contract with the DAC for day training and habilitation services; and

Whereas the Director of Social Services recommends entering into the contract which ends with the State ’09 fiscal year;

Now, therefore be it resolved the Wabasha County Human Services Board approves the purchase of service contract with the Wabasha County Developmental Achievement Center, for a period to end on June 30, 2009. This is a continuation of an existing contract with the DAC, rates are determined by the State of Minnesota with a COLA determined in Legislative Session.

Adopted Unanimously.

NO ACTION TAKEN – TABLED UNTIL May 19, 2009

Whereas, the Wabasha County Commissioners have approved the hiring of a Financial Worker to fill a current vacancy; and

Whereas, the Commissioners have determined a reduction in force is necessary to offset anticipated revenue losses for the County; and

Whereas, the Commissioners have determined the Family Service Aide II position should be eliminated to be fiscally responsible to the citizens of Wabasha County; and

Whereas, the Director of Social Services has identified the Family Service Aide II position as providing non-mandated services to the citizens of Wabasha County;

Now, therefore be it resolved, the Wabasha County Human Services Board has determined the position of Family Service Aide II will be eliminated from the workforce in the Department of Social Services, effective June 5, 2009. Notifications of this action will be coordinated through the Human Resources Director to the employee, the employee’s supervisor, and the AFSCME Local.

Adopted Unanimously.

NO ACTION TAKEN

Discussion led by Maria Hitz, SS Supervisor, on the potential to provide mental health targeted case management (MH-TCM) by County employees, versus continuing a contractual relationship with Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center. Board members reviewed the fiscal data available. Fiscal information supports providing this service by county staff. A few additional questions remain to be answered. Board members requested further information be presented at the next meeting. Supervision of staff and a potential to create lead worker position(s) in the Social Services Unit are among the issues to be explored.

DISCUSSION and INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

Environmental Health Services Report

Suzie West indicated she has been working with businesses in Lake City to consult on small business issues. Darrin Thompson has been busier outside than this time last year, due to the improved weather. Contractors are asking for more brainstorming time on projects regarding soil testing. He has received a couple complaints that need follow-up. Finally, the housing crisis has resulted in a lowering of well/water standards required by finance institutions prior to a home being sold. Eventually this will turn around and institutions will return to a tighter standard prior to home sales being finalized.

Fraud Services Update

Linda Klabo, Fraud Services Investigator, shared information on her activity on behalf of the county during the past year. Ms. Klabo’s position is funded through a Federal grant and she is contracted to work with Goodhue, Houston, Fillmore, Winona and Wabasha counties. In calendar year 2008, 32 fraud referrals were made by Wabasha County staff. Of those, 16 cases had findings in which about $70,000 in overpayments were received by clients. Ms. Klabo indicated the high caseload count of Wabasha Financial Workers contributes to a lesser amount of funds being recovered. It takes time to work these cases, and the time currently is spent on determining eligibility versus fraud control. Ms. Klabo also indicated the number of referrals from county staff has increased considerably in the last 3 years.

Managed Care Organizations

Smith informed the Board members we will soon receive contracts from managed care organizations to provide mental health targeted case management services. UCare and South Country Health Alliance are the managed care organizations providing health services to public assistance clients in Wabasha County. It is in the best interests of Wabasha County and the clients we serve, to enter into a contract for services with these 2 health care plans.

PHS & SS Miscellaneous

Laurie Hodgson provided an update on the State/local response to swine flu. Public Health Services (PHS) staff is in contact with Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) receiving information, guidance and updates. Public Health has disseminated information via the Health Alert Network (HAN) to the local health care provider network. Public Health is also participating in daily conference calls with MDH. PHS Director Judy Barton has also participated in the conference calls. Local schools have received information from the Department of Education and Public Health has followed up with a phone call to schools. Public Health distributed an MDH press release to local newspapers and suggested e-mailing this same press release to county employees. This press release includes normal health precautions that should be taken by individuals to help prevent the spread of the flu such as covering your mouth when coughing, washing your hands frequently to protect from germs, staying home when you are sick, and practicing other good health habits.

Human Services Authority Act

Smith shared information on Governor Pawlenty’s proposal to create 15 regional entities for the delivery of social services in Minnesota. The proposal could re-surface during Legislative conference committee meetings as the Legislative Session winds down. A counter-proposal has been introduced in which the emphasis goes to creating partnerships of counties to redesign the delivery of human/social services. In its present format, Governor Pawlenty’s proposal does not recognize the individual needs of Wabasha County, and would likely be a higher tax burden to the citizens of the county. Through the County Administrator’s Office, a letter in support of the alternative legislation has been shared with our Legislative delegation.

WINDHORST – NORMAN

Being no further business to come before the Board, motion was made and duly carried at 10:46 a.m. to recess this meeting until 9:00 a.m. on May 26, 2009.